Lot 128
(1800) Washington Uniface Funeral Medal in Gold Baker-169 Rarity-7- AU50. Lustrous bright yellow gold, the highpoints polished ever so lightly. A hole was drilled throug the top (from back to front) obliterating nearly all of the E in THE, most likely at the time of acquisition to facilitate suspension as a badge or necklace. There are no contact marks and the strike is well balanced and sharp, but the planchet is a bit wavy (though never seriously bent or creased). A beautiful and extremely rare example of a funeral badge worn to honor our first President at parades and other commemorations held around the country following Washington's death in December of 1799. These were made by Boston goldsmith and jeweler Eben Moulton as a "ladies medal" and some were made into custom pieces of jewelry by adding bezels and other features. About a dozen are known to have survived, and many of those are held in museums or other permanent collections housed in private institutions. A rare opportunity to acquire a significant and very attractive piece of early American History. Oval-shaped, 24.9 by 29.3 millimeters, weight 30.1 grains. Comes with a PCGS insert as Genuine, Ex Jewelry (PCGS #20480812).
Estimated Value $8,000-UP.
Ex Stack's Bowers Americana Sale 1/2012:6218.
|
| |
| Realized $17,825 |
